Welcome to Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It boasts with ancient temples and monuments. Kathmandu has become city of temples and home of god and goddess. The tales of god and demon carved into the stones and woods. Kathmandu has history dating back to 600BC. Kathmandu has been fusion of Hindu and Tibetan culture through out the history, this can be seen in the carved walls of temples and monuments. The city is famous for its art and architecture developed in the periods of different dynasties which dates back to the centuries.

Newars are the indigenous people of Kathmandu valley, there is a huge settlement of Newars still living in the areas of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur districts. We can still find traditional art and lifestyle of Newar people in these areas. Now Kathmandu is home to multi ethnicity and culture. Apart from the strong cultural background youngsters of Kathmandu are still up to date with trends and technology.

Here are some of the most see places in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square is an ancient palace of Malla Kings. Kathmandu valley was divided into three kingdoms, the remains of these artistic wooden palaces are still standing glorious. Kathmandu Durbar Square premises museum, sculptures and temples dating back to centuries. This site is near by Thamel and will be a great walk to see the origin of Nepal. It is the most busiest cultural site of Nepal. Indra Jatra and Kumari puja are the main cultural ceremonies performed at this site.

Patan Durbar Square is another historical site in Kathmandu valley. It lies in the heart of Newar community famous for sculptures. This site consist of a museum, historic temples and monuments. The surrounding ancient marketplace of Patan is still famous for making artistic Hindu’s and Buddhist sculptures.

Bhaktapur is a living museum of Nepali art and tradition. Staying in Bhaktapur can be good choice for those who want to dip into Newar culture. It is more peaceful and cheaper staying in Bhaktapur. It is famous for its Durbar square, temples, ponds and ancient looking home and courtyards. Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery crafts, paintings, wood carvings and curd.
Bhaktapur has some good view points like Nagarkot, Changunarayan, Ranikot from here you can enjoy panoramic mountain view, sunrise and Kathmandu valley

Pashupatinath is the biggest hindu temple devoted to lord Shiva in Nepal. Lord Shiva is depicted as god responsible for creation and destruction of the universe. He is regarded as the supreme god in Hindu mythology. There are many artistic and historic monuments surrounding the temple area. The temple resides on the bank of holy river Bagmati. Pashupatinath is one of the world heritage site visited by millions of hindu pilgrimage each year. Only hindus are allowed to enter the main temple premise. Special ceremonies are conducted on the day of Maha Shiva Ratri and Teej. Hindus have ritual to burn the body of dead family member on the bank of river Bagmati, it is believed that the bodies cremated here will go directly to heaven. Pashupatinath area also comprises of small reserved forest across the river. It habitats monkeys and deers.

Swyambhunath is the biggest monument reflecting Buddhism in Nepal. It is few kilometres west of Kathmandu Durbar Square. One can get a very good view of Kathmandu valley from this temple.

Boudhanath is another must see place for those interested on Buddhist art and style. It is a quick getaway to the calmness from the tired and running life of Jorpati area.

Kapan monastery is the only buddhist monastery in the bustling city of Kathmandu. Located in the Kapan hill top it gives a good day tour and peace of mind.

Namobuddha is famous for its Buddhist monastery. It is 55 Km east of Kathmandu near Panauti and Dhulikhel. The monastery is in the middle of beautiful forests with sparsely populated Tamang homes. Namobuddha also has good picnic spots inside the forest area.

Thamel is a busy tourist hub of Kathmandu. Thamel is filled with restaurants, handicraft shops, hotels and travel agencies. Thamel has more to offer on the corners from spa to dance bars. Its the best place in Nepal to prepare for travelling or finding a travel companion. There are many trek and tour operators who provide guides and travel accessories. Thamel area is near by beautiful Kathmandu durbar square and Narayanhiti museum.

Garden of Dreams is a good place to pass your day at Thamel. It offers beautiful garden and restaurant where you can enjoy your day with friends or hangout to make new friends. The place is built by army general during Rana regime in Nepal. During the period of Ranas many marvellous structure were built by army chiefs, which is the reflection of utter dictatorship in that period.

Ratnapark is heart of Nepal, it is witness of all the historical events of Kathmandu. Ratnapark is still living and breathing Nepali life. Tudikhel and Rani Pokhari are on the each side of Ratnapark. There is a clock tower on the side of Rani Pokhari. There are few public colleges and universities in this area. Ratnapark is the most running place of Nepal.

Narayanhiti Museum is the former kings palace just located outside of Thamel. This is a very new museum showcasing the Royal life of Saha dynasty. Saha kings unified all the small kingdoms and created Nepal, they made Kathmandu a capital city. Saha kings ruled over Nepal for 350 years and contributed very little development. The palace now is made and open museum with collection of centuries old Nepali royal antiquities and extravagance.

When talking about Kathmandu as a city dweller, Kathmandu valley is the most densely populated city of Nepal. Inhibited about 5 millions in the area of 50 square kilometres, Kathmandu is the fusion of diverse ethnicity and culture. Three major river flows from the valley, hindu temples can be found in every streets of Kathmandu. There are many festivals celebrated all year round. People here are always kind and welcoming.

If you are planning for your holiday in Nepal, make sure to give two three days of time for Kathmandu sight seeing. This is marvellous cultural experience.